What’s the Correct Height?

Medical facilities typically have numerous sharps containers mounted on the walls throughout their building. These containers house used needles and other sharps that pose a threat of accidental sticks and pricks as well as exposure to bodily fluids and medications. So it makes sense that there are appropriate measures to be considered to ensure that no one can access these items once they’ve been placed into the container. But knowing the correct height for your mounted sharps container is key to remaining compliant with OSHA and state mandates. Take a look:

How High or Low Should They Go?

The answer is, it depends. In seated workspaces, NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), recommends that the ideal height for mounted sharps containers should be between 38” and 42”. And in standing workspaces, between 52” and 56” from the floor.

Why Does Height Matter for Mounted Sharps Containers?

Industry recommendations from NIOSH are to prevent injury and exposure. And taking into consideration which room in your medical facility the sharps containers are mounted and who has access to these areas. The goal is to prevent children and others who are visiting from being able to put their fingers into the container. And to prevent any tampering. It is also important that the vertical height of the container allows healthcare workers to see the opening. Another important factor that should be taken into account is that the location of the sharps container would not force the healthcare worker to make unnecessary movements with a sharp in their hand in order to access it.

NIOSH Considers these factors when determining the correct height:

• Accessibility
• Functionality
• Visibility
• Accommodation 

The height of mounted sharps containers is important to protect your patients, staff and any other visitors to your facility. It’s also key to ensuring you remain compliant and without risk of incurring violations and fines.

All Points Medical Waste can assist you with all your medical waste disposal needs, including sharps containers. We are a full service medical waste disposal company located in Stuart, Florida. We serve South Florida from Okeechobee County all the way to Broward County, including the Treasure Coast. Give us a call today or fill out this form to learn more.